Breast Augmentation

Conveniently located to serve the areas of London and Manchester

breast augmentation harley surgery

Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses implants to enhance the size, shape, and fullness of the breasts. (1) Because of its high effectiveness and natural-looking results, this procedure remains one of the most common throughout the world. (2)

Dr Riccardo Frati is an internationally renowned plastic surgeon at Harley Surgery. Dr Frati is a leading figure within his field, and several media outlets and publishers have featured his work. Dr Frati additionally lectures at both the national and international levels, with his lecture circuit including London, Rio de Janeiro, and New York City.

To get started, please schedule a consultation online. You may also call +44 20 3633 2619 to reach our London office, or +44 16 1327 2139 to reach our Manchester office.

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    Implants
    Implants
    Mentor Implants
    Procedure Time
    Procedure Time
    1-1.5 Hours
    Back to Work
    Back to Work
    1 Week
    Recovery Time
    Recovery Time
    8 Weeks
    Post Op Bra
    Post Op Bra
    4-6 Weeks
    Other Names
    Other Names
    Boob Job, Breast Enlargement

    Before and After Photos

    Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #464
    Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #464
    Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #466
    Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #466
    Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #482
    Breast Augmentation Before & After Patient #482
    View More Photos

    About Breast Augmentation

    Breast augmentation is a surgical procedure that uses implants to elevate the appearance and fullness of the breasts.

    Over time, several events can occur throughout a woman’s life that may impact breast appearance. Weight fluctuations, pregnancy, hormonal changes, and breastfeeding can all cause the breasts to change in appearance. Their size, volume, or shape can fluctuate, causing a deflated, asymmetrical, or disproportionate appearance. Equally common, many women simply want to achieve a fuller bust, whether to enhance their confidence or sense of femininity.

    With breast augmentation, Dr Frati can help you reimagine the natural contours, curves, and cleavage of your chest.

    Breast Implant Options

    During your personal consultation, Dr Frati will help you find the most suitable implants for your goals. He specifically offers Mentor breast implants at his practice, which are MHRA- and FDA-approved silicone gel implants. These implants encapsulate a viscous silicone gel in a silicone shell. This specialised construction replicates the natural softness and movements of organic breast tissue, allowing you to emerge with seamless, natural-looking and natural-feeling results.

    Incision Options

    Dr Frati can place your breast implants using one of three incision placements, including the periareolar incision, the inframammary fold incision, and the transaxillary incision. (3) He will predetermine the exact approach he uses during your consultation, and when performing the procedure itself, he will utilise short-incision methods to minimise your recovery timeline and scarring.

    Periareolar Incision

    This incision extends around the bottom perimeter of the areolas and hides scarring within its darker-coloured skin.

    Inframammary Fold Incision

    This incision follows the crease beneath the breasts. Surgeons most frequently use this incision technique, as it provides effective access to tissues and conceals scarring within natural contours and curves.

    Transaxillary Incision

    Dr Frati places this incision within the crease of the armpit. This technique avoids visible scarring on the breasts themselves by hiding them under your arm, though it does impact tissue visibility during the procedure. Only saline implants can be used for this method.

    Breast Augmentation Candidates

    You may be an ideal candidate for breast augmentation if you are interested in elevating the size, shape, volume, or symmetry of your breasts using silicone implants.

    To qualify for your treatment, you should be in good general health and hold realistic expectations regarding what is achievable. You should also lead a nicotine-free life or be willing to quit smoking. Dr Frati will assess your candidacy during your personal consultation.

    Personal Consultation

    We ask that you attend a personal consultation at either our London or Manchester office before undergoing your breast augmentation. During this initial visit, Dr Frati will review your medical history, listen to your concerns, learn more about your ideal results, and perform a physical assessment. As he examines your breasts, he will take detailed measurements and photographs.

    Dr Frati will then use this information to discuss your options for your breast augmentation. He will help you determine the best type of implants for your goals and identify the ideal incision options. You will even have the opportunity to view a 3D rendering of your potential results on a computer imaging program that Dr Frati uses.

    Breast augmentation procedures have restored the femininity of countless women across the UK. If you are ready to learn more, please schedule an initial consultation online. You may also call +44 20 3633 2619 to reach our London office, or +44 16 1327 2139 to reach our Manchester office.

    Preparation

    After deciding to proceed with your breast augmentation, the team at Harley Surgery will help you prepare. Following these guidelines ensures you have a safe and successful experience. Before your appointment, Dr Frati will prepare a set of instructions, which may advise you to:

    • Discontinue Certain Medications: Unless medically necessary, stop taking certain medications or supplements that may thin the blood.
    • Prepare Transportation: Have a trusted friend or loved one drive you home after your procedure, as you will not be able to transport yourself.
    • Arrange for Time Off: Prepare to take time away from your professional responsibilities and personal commitments.
    • Acquire Your Medications: Before your procedure, go to your local chemist to pick up medications that you will need throughout your recovery.
    • Cease Certain Substances: Refrain from consuming nicotine or alcohol leading up to your procedure, as these substances can affect your recovery process and contribute to the development of certain complications.
    • Fast as Directed: Refrain from eating or drinking the night before your surgery.

    Procedure

    The exact duration of your breast augmentation will vary, but you can expect it to last between 60 and 90 minutes to complete. Dr Frati will first cleanse your skin and mark the treatment area, then you will receive either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with twilight sedation.

    Once you are comfortable, Dr Frati will create the initial incision to access the underlying structures of your breast. This may feature the periareolar incision, the inframammary fold incision, or the transaxillary incision. He will then create a pocket for your implant to rest in, either above, below, or partially under and over the pectoralis muscle. These are the subglandular, submuscular, and dual-plane placements, respectively.

    Dr Frati will then insert your implants in the created pockets before securing them in place. He will carefully close the incisions using sutures before dressing the area. The Harley Surgery team will then transfer you to our recovery suite, where you will rest before returning home.

    Recovery

    After your breast augmentation, you will need to take some time away from your responsibilities and commitments to focus on your recovery.

    You can expect to develop some swelling, bruising, or tenderness around the treated areas. These effects will dissipate on their own with time, but you may also manage them using medications and plenty of rest. You should also take short walks when you feel comfortable enough, as this will help promote better circulation. Dr Frati will also have you wear a compression garment for approximately two to four weeks, as well as a strap for the first several days. These garments will support your breasts as they heal and prevent them from moving throughout the day.

    You may return to most of your daily routine after approximately one to two weeks. Dr Frati uses short-scar incisions to reduce overall recovery time. However, you will need to refrain from heavy lifting or other strenuous activities for another four to eight weeks, or until Dr Frati approves.

    Dr Frati typically performs breast augmentation on an outpatient basis, which means that you are released from the hospital on the same day as your procedure. However, depending on your circumstances, Dr Frati may ask you to stay in the hospital for one night following your procedure.

    Results

    You will be able to enjoy the results of your breast augmentation once you have fully recovered from your procedure. While your results will vary, you can expect to enjoy larger, more voluminous, and more symmetrical breasts, as well as a more defined and contoured silhouette.

    The results of breast augmentation are long-lasting, with effects that you can enjoy for several years to come. It is important to understand that breast implants are not meant to last a lifetime, and you will eventually need to replace them.

    Cost of Breast Augmentations on Harley Street, London

    Dr Frati will discuss your financial obligations with you once he has established the details of your treatment plan. Breast augmentations are highly customised procedures, and pricing will vary from patient to patient.

    FAQ

    What type of breast implants does Dr Frati offer?

    Dr Frati uses Mentor silicone implants. He offers them in both teardrop and round shapes, as well as a variety of different sizes.

    Where in my chest will Dr Frati place my breast implants?

    Dr Frati may place your breast implants above your pectoralis muscle, below it, or half below and half above the muscle.

    What type of anaesthesia will I receive during my breast augmentation?

    Patients may receive either general anaesthesia or local anaesthesia with twilight sedation, depending on the details of their case.

    After my breast augmentation, when will I be able to transition back to wearing normal undergarments?

    You will need to wear your supportive bra for approximately two to four weeks after your procedure. Underwire bras may irritate skin or incisions that are still healing.

    How will I know if I am a good candidate for breast augmentation?

    Attending a personal consultation is the best way to determine whether you are a suitable candidate for a breast augmentation. Here, Dr Frati will discuss your specific concerns, learn more about your desired results, review your medical history, and assess your breast anatomy and composition.

    References

    1. Fardo D, Sequeira Campos M, Pensler JM. Breast Augmentation. PubMed. Published 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482206/
    2. Adams WP, Mallucci P. Breast Augmentation. Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. 2012;130(4):597e611e. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/prs.0b013e318262f607
    3. Schrager S, Lyon SM, Poore SO. Breast Implants: Common Questions and Answers. American Family Physician. 2021;104(5):500-508. Accessed June 23, 2026. https://www.aafp.org/afp/2021/1100/p500